<<<FWIW, the police politely informed the restarant management that they can not legally enforce a "mandatory tip," even if it is printed on the menu or on a posted sign.>>>

Which would be the criminal law of which state? Does his opinion even cover state civil law or federal law? I suspect that this was street justice (cop was eved for being called about a billing dispute), which sometimes only bears an incidental relationship to the what the actual statutes state.

I would feel more confidnet for future reference if someone could cite a governing statute.